Cape Town - An alleged drug dealer who was caught with a massive haul of drugs, worth approximately R5 million, has been released on R100000 bail by the Athlone Magistrate’s Court.
Court documents detailing the arrest of Craig Engelbrecht, 39, indicated that police made the discovery nearly two weeks ago at a storage facility in Philippi.
According to the documents obtained by the Cape Argus, the father from Lotus River was found, on November 24, in possession of 63 000 Mandrax tablets, one bucket of tik, and three plastic bags containing rocks.
Engelbrecht returned to court on Friday where he was represented by Advocate Bruce Hendricks for his bail hearing which was unopposed by the state.
In his affidavit Engelbrecht stated that he was a father of three minor children and lived with his brother in Lotus as he is separated from his wife.
He said he was the co-owner of a R1.7m property and complains that while in prison, he was placed in an overcrowded cell where his fellow inmates suffered from tuberculosis. He said his incarceration was creating an emotional strain on his children.
He added that said he was a taxi owner and was unable to provide for his children while behind bars.
While Engelbrecht plans to plead not guilty to drug dealing he also listed his previous convictions which include possession of drugs.
Engelbrecht was first arrested at 17 years old and received a suspended sentence from the Wynberg Regional Court in 2002. Ten years later he pleaded guilty in the same court after being found in possession of stolen goods. He paid a R6000 fine.
In 2018 he was convicted for possession of drugs and paid a R2 000 fine.
During his appearance on Friday, Engelbrecht offered R80 000 bail for his release but the state granted him bail of R100000.
Speaking to the Cape Argus, Hendricks confirmed he appeared on Engelbrecht’s behalf and said: “I am on record for him and we secured bail of R100000. My client had no knowledge of anything illegal in that storage facility and he will plead not guilty. My client will dispute he had knowledge of the drugs in that storage facility.”